Is there an 'undercurrent' in the V-League relegation race?

The 2024-2025 V-League is becoming more and more unpredictable in the relegation race towards the end, when a weak team can defeat a stronger opponent.

SHB Da Nang (orange shirt) in the victory over Thanh Hoa in round 20 - Photo: VPF

Having only won 1 match and lost 10 until round 19, bottom-placed SHB Da Nang defeated Thanh Hoa 1-0 in round 20 last weekend, thereby rekindling their hope of staying in the league.

This result brought quite a surprise. Because Thanh Hoa is still ranked 3rd on the rankings, and has just defeated the championship candidate The Cong - Viettel 3-1 in round 19.

For the opponents who are racing to avoid relegation, SHB Da Nang Club's victory makes everyone feel uneasy. Especially the opponent ranked right above Quy Nhon Binh Dinh, because they are only 2 points ahead of the Han River team, but still have a "less safe than dangerous" match with Cong An Ha Noi Club.

In fact, the V-League relegation race is always heated in the final rounds every year, and causes a lot of buzz in public opinion. Because when a team competing for relegation meets a team that is in a "safe" position or has difficulty competing for the championship, the favorable result will often lean towards the team that needs points.

Quy Nhon Binh Dinh Club (dark shirt) appears weak in the relegation race - Photo: VPF

Although it is not clearly shown, Vietnamese football still has quite intricate "affectionate" relationships between teams. So when one team is in trouble, the other team may reach out to save it.

B.Binh Duong Club has not had a single win up to round 15 of V-League 2023 (8 draws, 7 losses) and is on the brink of relegation. But the 1-0 victory right at Song Lam Nghe An Stadium - the team that was assured of staying in the league in round 16 has opened up the opportunity to stay in the league for coach Le Huynh Duc and his team.

That year, SHB Da Nang Club was relegated when the host HCMC and B.Binh Duong drew in the final match without anyone wanting to attack to help each other stay in the league.

It is worth mentioning that there are some coincidences that are not random, so every team has to try hard to save themselves in the final stage of the relegation race. The weaker team, of course, has to try even harder to avoid being unjustly relegated.

Mr. Hien rewards Quang Nam and Da Nang

After Hanoi FC beat Quang Nam 2-1 in round 20 of V-League, to continue chasing the top team Nam Dinh in the championship race, Hanoi FC owner Do Quang Hien went to Hang Day Stadium to encourage the visiting team Quang Nam and gave a bonus of 500 million VND.

In round 6, Mr. Hien also went to Hang Day stadium to reward SHB Da Nang players with 300 million VND after losing 0-3 to Cong An Ha Noi.

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NGUYEN KHOI

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/cuoc-dua-tru-hang-v-league-lieu-co-song-ngam-20250428134102109.htm